APPROACHING YOUR 65th birthday, already there or past it? Then you’ve joined a large and
growing crowd. By 2030, American seniors will reach a population of 70 million, most of them
still behind the wheel. I asked my fellow co-authors of Drive On! Preserve & Prolong Your
Time on the Road (Mountain Lake Press, 2016; not available at Costco) to show how you can
handle your transportation needs safely.—Phil Berardelli, publisher, Mountain Lake Press

Know yourself and your limits

From Allan F. Williams, former chief scientist
for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

By some important measures, such as
crashes of all types, seniors ;; and older enjoy
the lowest rates of all age groups. So don’t be
intimidated by stereotypes. Instead,

Take rest stops. By taking breaks,
and staying rested and focused, you’ll
curb your chances of a crash.

Use public transportation when possible.

Make this a factor when you plan to retire.

Use 80 as a benchmark. At this age, crash
rates start climbing and dementia can enter the
picture. Alzheimer’s and related conditions
affect only ; percent of the population at ;;. But
by ;;, that figure jumps to ;; percent. Have
yourself checked regularly.

Be willing to make the tough
choice. When irreversible physical or
mental disabilities finally render
driving impractical or dangerous,
take a deep breath and give up the
keys. It’s the courageous and sensible
thing to do.

Know your car

From John Matras, veteran automotive writer.

Pay close attention to the beloved
bucket of bolts that gets you where you want
to go. Regular maintenance and some TLC
can keep you and your car on the road.